Master of Ceremonies, commonly known as MC or Emcee in international contexts, plays a crucial role in various events. An MC is responsible for managing, conducting, guiding, and presenting essential information within events as assigned.
Professional MCs typically perform on stage, providing guidance on various topics according to the event’s theme. They use interactive language to engage with large audiences and represent companies or brands. The specifics of an MC’s role may vary based on the employer’s requirements, ranging from presenting a unique professional persona to the public to assisting in competitions and various activities. The path to becoming an MC often involves training in public speaking skills and developing overall quick-wittedness.
Essential Qualities of an MC
To begin a career as an MC, one must possess outstanding public speaking skills, an engaging voice, and an interesting tone. This is because the role involves confidently speaking in front of large audiences. Basic qualifications for MC positions include professional speaking skills, active listening, teamwork, and the ability to adapt to changing situations. This job may require working nights, weekends, or holidays, and often involves experience in direct marketing or crowd management.
MCs looking to start with smaller, short-term jobs to build experience before applying for full-time positions may find that companies have specific industry knowledge requirements. These could include familiarity with sports rules or the ability to travel frequently.
Primary Responsibilities of an MC
Announcing Event Protocols: MCs are often the first point of contact for event participants. They typically represent the host organization, whether it’s a club, keynote speaker, or company. Therefore, communicating event rules and regulations, including emergency exit information and other essential details, is part of an MC’s responsibilities.
Delivering Opening Remarks: MCs often introduce the event, engaging the audience through humor or light-hearted comments to create a relaxed atmosphere. The goal is not to overshadow subsequent speakers but to smoothly transition into the main entertainment.
Managing Stage Cues: As events operate under strict time constraints, MCs play a crucial role in managing transitions between performances, coordinating speaking queues, and monitoring each presenter’s time on stage. This ensures that employers can be confident that other performers/speakers will receive their allocated time as planned. MCs may signal performers if they exceed their allotted time and professionally engage the audience during stage transitions.
Closing the Event: After the final performer or speaker concludes, the MC reappears to thank everyone and signal the end of the event. If there are hosts or sponsors, the MC facilitates acknowledgments and expresses gratitude to them before the audience. Professional MCs use this opportunity to promote upcoming events and encourage audience engagement through employer-specified channels, such as email list sign-ups or social media follows.
Cost of Hiring an MC
MCs are integral to both online and offline marketing strategies for businesses of all types. An MC’s income varies based on expenses, skills, and reputation.
Sixtygram, a marketing agency, recommends allocating the budget for hiring an MC into two parts:
- MC Expenses: Costume rental, makeup, and travel costs: Approximately 3,000 THB++
- Skill Fee: Considered based on the MC’s courses and certifications, language skills (for international events), and accumulated reputation. If the MC is an influencer, it often results in a more enjoyable and engaging atmosphere for the audience: Approximately 8,000 – 20,000 THB
Combined, the current cost for an MC should start from 10,000 THB per event, based on data from our marketing company’s previous client services. Contact us for immediate preliminary MC pricing inquiries.
Conclusion
Becoming a successful MC requires a combination of communication skills, experience, and adaptability. Understanding the responsibilities and duties associated with professional MCs can pave the way for a career in event management.
